“There are former MK (uMkhonto weSizwe) combatants, not only MK, but there’s also the Azanian People's Liberation Army. But in this case, I think what was the trigger point was when the municipality moved them up to grade 10 salaries from grade 4 which increased their pay grade,” he said.

Samwu’s Khulekani Shezi said information had not been forthcoming from the municipality.

“From 12 April workers have been asking what’s happening and apparently there hasn’t been a clear indication,” he said.

It was not clear if the issues would be resolved before the indaba on Thursday.